A ditopic calix[6]arene ligand with N-methylimidazole and 1,2,3-triazole substituents: synthesis and coordination with Zn(II) cations.

The first member of a new class of ditopic calix[6]arene has been synthesized, which is decorated with three N-methylimidazoles at the small rim and three 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles at the large rim. The coordination of a first Zn(II) cation selectively takes place at the small rim. Addition of a second equivalent results in the complexation of the three triazoles, providing a rare example of 1,2,3-triazole ligands embedded within a supramolecular system.